Planting | An update about Jeannette, PA

This week, our elders will consider the preliminary church planting vision for Jeannette. If approved, we will then share the vision with our deacons and then the church as a whole. A formal request will also go to our Presbytery’s Mission to North America committee later this month. If approved there, it will go to our Presbytery, ideally in January.

Right now, we envision exerting most church planting efforts in 2012 toward preparation. Three things would mark our effort in this coming year:

1.) Training – I will attend church planting training in early 2012. Our plan is to have Nate Keisel experience the same training in 2013, with an eye toward his eventual involvement in Jeannette.

2.) Cultivating – As a church, we will seek to cultivate an understanding of and passion for the community of Jeannette, the importance and process of church planting, and consensus regarding our identity as a planting church.

3.) Recruiting – I and the other elders will be recruiting a launch team of committed individuals for the work in Jeannette, with an eye toward establishing a consistent presence in the city in early 2013.

Perhaps the most important thing to say at this point is that we’re seeking deliberate and steady progress in this effort. We envision a five-year process of church planting, one that we pray will result in a vibrant, community-oriented ministry not only in Jeannette, PA, but of Jeannette (reflecting its people and proud heritage).